Monday’s Campaign Round-Up, 1.19.15

Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that won’t necessarily generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers:

* As Rachel noted on the show the other day, the Republican National Committee will hold its 2016 convention in Cleveland next year, at an unusually early point: July 18-21. Democrats have not yet announced the location or dates of their nominating convention.

* Among the networks that will not host RNC-sanctioned presidential debates this year or next? Univision, the most-watched Spanish-language network in the U.S.

* Minnesota Republican Vin Weber served as a chairman of Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign, but the former congressman doesn’t seem pleased to see Romney move closer towards yet another national race. “I’m not happy frankly with the way he’s chosen to re-enter presidential politics and I think his friends need to be honest with him about that,” Weber said.

* Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is apparently moving closer to a presidential campaign of his own, telling NBC’s Chuck Todd yesterday that he’s “definitely going to look at it.” The senator added that he’s created a “testing the waters committee.”

* As the RNC’s winter meeting wrapped up in San Diego, Chairman Reince Priebus was re-elected to a third term, and in his acceptance remarks, he looked ahead. “Keep in mind: 2016 could be a do-or-die moment for our party,” Priebus said. “I’m not one to be dramatic, but I want you to know I’m serious.”

* At a national level, the latest CBS poll found that 29% of Republican voters want New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) to run for president, while 44% do not. The only high-profile Republican who fared worse in the poll? Former half-term Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R).

* Rep. Bill Foster (D) is moving closer to a U.S. Senate bid in Illinois, but first he’s clearing up some incidents from his past, including allegations surrounding his divorce 19 years ago.

* And in California, progressive billionaire Tom Steyer, best known for his work on climate change, appears to be moving closer to a U.S. Senate bid of his own. He’s reportedly told potential supporters “he would commit to serving only one term if he can’t reach goals dealing with the environment, economy and education within six years.”